North Central Michigan College

This certificate is designed for individuals working toward a career in the animation industry and/or related fields. Students who complete these foundational courses will gain exposure to real-world projects, be prepared to transfer to a four-year program, or enter the workforce as an entry-level animator.

Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form, producing works to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power.

This Certificate is designed to provide a foundation of study in the graphic arts. Students who complete this certificate will be prepared to transfer to a four-­‐year program or enter the workforce as an entry-­level graphic designer.

This certificate is designed to introduce the student to the exciting area of digital and web-based audio and video recording, editing and presentation. Students will gain hands-on experience in capturing video and audio and preparing them for transfer to the web or other media. This certificate is recommended for anyone interested in earning a credential in this new and rapidly growing field.

Students who complete AH 154 (Certified Nurse Aide Training) will be eligible to take the certified nurse aide (CNA) examination in the State of Michigan. North Central offers Prometric Certified Nurse Aide testing on campus year round to eligible students. These students will be prepared for immediate employment in long-term care facilities, home health care, physicians' offices and hospitals. Students who complete North Central's Certificate of Development program (which includes AH 154) will be better prepared for advancement in the healthcare field. Classes other than AH 154 may be taken either in conjunction with CNA training or separately. CNA training includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice in a clinical laboratory, and clinical instruction in a long-term care facility. The CNA training class may be offered in both four-­‐week and semester formats. Students will be required to meet immunization standards of the clinical facilities and will be subject to a criminal background check.

Medical Assistant training provides diverse employment opportunities. Students in this program can develop skills necessary for entry-level employment in the healthcare field. Special emphasis is placed on increasing skills needed to work in physicians' offices and health clinics. Students must complete a minimum of 34 credit hours to earn a certificate in Medical Assisting. This program also has a Work-Based Learning component.

Since this program is very rigorous and demanding, students should consider carefully their outside work schedule given the requirements of the program, and especially in AH 285 (Work Based Learning Medical Assistant) where students will be placed for 10 hours each week of a normal semester in a clinical setting (20 hours each week in a shortened summer semester) and complete one hour of exam review each week (two hours each week in a shortened summer semester). Students should also realize that they may be expected to travel as much as 40-80 miles one way for work-based learning placements at regional offices or clinics so as not to overload a single clinical site. Every effort will be made to assign students to clinical and externship sites fairly.

Upon successful completion of the program and graduation from North Central Michigan College, students are eligible to take the Registered Medical Assistant certification examination offered by American Medical Technologies. North Central offers NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) on campus for Medical Assistant graduates.

This is a selective admission program. Students must apply for entry into the program each time they wish to be considered.

This certificate is designed for students interested in working in medical billing and coding departments of larger physician practices. With increasing emphasis on accountability in healthcare and the increasing complexity of federal coding requirements, demand for individuals trained in this field is expected to remain high.

This certificate prepares students at an appropriate level for understanding medical billing and coding in private physician and dental practices, and is useful as an additional certificate for individuals in the Medical Office Assistant or other Allied Health programs.

There are two main certification organizations for this profession: the American Health Information Management Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders. Students are encouraged to investigate and pursue certification opportunities.

This certificate of Development is designed for entry-level students interested in the growing field of medical billing and coding. With increasing emphasis on accountability in healthcare, demand for individuals trained in this field is expected to remain high.

This certificate prepares students at a basic level for understanding medical billing and coding in private physician and dental practices, and is useful as an additional certificate for individuals in the Medical Office Assistant or other Allied Health programs.

This program prepares the student to be an administrative assistant. Students will gain a strong foundation in developing and transmitting communication through the use of document processing and electronic record keeping, problem solving and human relations. Opportunities for office administration include but are not limited to banking, communications, education, entertainment, insurance, retailing, allied health, wholesaling, manufacturing, real estate, travel and transportation.

A phlebotomy technician practices blood-collection techniques that include venipunctures and skin punctures to provide samples for lab analysis. Students will learn:

Techniques and procedures to assist in various lab procedures;
To recognize conditions that alter specimen collections handling and test results;
To determine appropriate specimen collection supplies and equipment;
How to assure appropriateness of lab tests;
Communication techniques with laboratories, medical providers and patients;
How to provide the best care possible and assure specimen integrity.
Upon successful completion of the PHLB program, students may write the exam for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Phlebotomy Technician (PbT) Certification. North Central offers NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) on campus for Phlebotomy program graduates.

Surgical Technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical Technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical Technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

North Central's Surgical Technologist Program courses are offered over four semesters (excluding summer), beginning in the fall term of odd­‐numbered years, and ending at the close of the winter term one year later. The Surgical Technologist program, in full compliance with the Association of Surgical Technologist's (AST) Core Curriculum, offers students the chance to complete a Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree. North Central offers NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) on campus for Surgical Technologist program graduates. Students should also realize that they may be expected to travel as much as 40 ‐100 miles one way for clinical observations and/or externships at regional hospitals so as not to overload a single clinical facility with too many students. Every effort will be made to assign students to clinical and externship sites fairly.

Surgical Technologists are allied health professionals who are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical Technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical Technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

North Central's Surgical Technologist Program courses are offered over four semesters (excluding summer), beginning in the fall term of odd­‐numbered years, and ending at the close of the winter term one year later. The Surgical Technologist program, in full compliance with the Association of Surgical Technologist's (AST) Core Curriculum, offers students the chance to complete a Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree. North Central offers NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) on campus for Surgical Technologist program graduates. Students should also realize that they may be expected to travel as much as 40 ‐100 miles one way for clinical observations and/or externships at regional hospitals so as not to overload a single clinical facility with too many students. Every effort will be made to assign students to clinical and externship sites fairly.

This certificate is specifically designed for those students who wish to develop their CAD skills and to incorporate them with more rounded business skills to prepare them for the workplace. Holders of this certificate will be better equipped to work in the CAD field as a detailer, layout specialist or draftsperson.

The Geographic Information Systems associate of applied science degree program offers hands-on technical training that prepares graduates for jobs in cartography, computer programming, database management, business development, urban planning, government and defense. GIS technology is used for scientific investigations, resource management, asset management, archaeology, environmental impact assessment, urban planning, cartography, criminology, geographic history, marketing, logistics and other purposes.

This program is designed to prepare individuals for various careers in welding. The general education and a part of technical skills coursework is completed through North Central with remaining technical skills coursework being completed through our partnership with Industrial Arts Institute, Inc (IAI).

This program provides students with entry-level skills that can be applied to any position requiring computer knowledge. The program has been designed with an emphasis on developing the student's ability to use and apply computer languages and systems in business and industrial applications.

This program prepares students for entry level employment in the computing industry. With an anticipated growth rate of 27% over the next ten years and a median salary nearly twice that of the national average, the program has a strong focus on Web Development. Students will receive a broad introduction to industry jobs including Web Development, System Administrators, IT Analysts and Data Base Administrators with a combination of theory, hands-on assignments, and portfolio of practical projects that will jumpstart your career.

This program provides students with entry-level skills that can be applied to any position requiring computer knowledge. The program has been designed with an emphasis on developing the student's ability to use and apply computer languages and systems in business and industrial applications.

North Central's combination of Microsoft servers and Cisco networking equipment prepares a student for an entry level position in an existing network environment. Additionally students will be prepared to take some of the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) examinations.

Program requirements may be waived with documented equivalent vendor certifications (e.g., Net+, MCTS or CCNA) for any class below IT 122 with advisor approval.

North Central's Associate of Applied Science in Computer Networking provides students with both academic study and hands-on experience along with the opportunity for Microsoft certifications. Through the College's membership in the Microsoft Developers Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA), students have access to Microsoft's complete line of computer networking products. The hands-on activities help students prepare for certification as a Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) up to Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP).

Program requirements may be waived with documented equivalent vendor certifications (e.g., Net+, MCSA, CNE, MCP, CCNA), for all IT courses below IT 200, with advisor approval. Any 100-level or higher course may be used to meet the 60-credit minimum requirement for a certificate if any program requirements are waived.

Open Entry/Self-Paced: North Central offers computer networking courses in an open-entry (OE) self- paced format. This format enables students to start courses after the normal semester and work at a pace agreed upon by the student and the instructor. Open lab time is scheduled for daytime and evening access to facilitate student work schedules. The College's networking lab is designed for networking activities using routers, switches, multiple servers and multiple operating systems in hard box and virtual environments.

This program prepares students for entry level employment in the computing industry. With an anticipated growth rate of 27% over the next ten years and a median salary nearly twice that of the national average, the program has a strong focus on Web Development. Students will receive a broad introduction to industry jobs including Web Development, System Administrators, IT Analysts and Data Base Administrators with a combination of theory, hands-on assignments, and portfolio of practical projects that will jumpstart your career.

This program prepares students for entry level employment in the computing industry. With an anticipated growth rate of 27% over the next ten years and a median salary nearly twice that of the national average, the program has a strong focus on Web Development. Students will receive a broad introduction to industry jobs including Web Development, System Administrators, IT Analysts and Data Base Administrators with a combination of theory, hands-on assignments, and portfolio of practical projects that will jumpstart your career.

North Central's Computer Support Specialist Certificate is a good starting point for students desiring an entry level job in the information computing technology support field. The courses provide the student with the foundation knowledge and skills needed to pass the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC-­3 ®) examination as well as the Core level Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Fundamental Networking and Security examinations. Students completing the Computer Support Specialist Certificate are qualified for employment as help desk technicians and have a good start towards the Computer Support Specialist Associate of Applied Science. To earn this North Central Certificate the student must pass the IC-­3, and the MTA Fundamental Networking and Security examinations.

North Central's Computer Support Specialist Associate of Applied Science degree provides students with both the academic study and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the information computing technology support field. The course content provides the student with the foundation knowledge and skills needed to pass the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC-­3 ®), CompTIA A+ certification exams as well as the Core level Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Fundamental examinations and some of the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exams. Students completing the Computer Support Specialist Associate of Applied Science Degree program are qualified for employment as help desk technicians, computer support technicians, and computer applications specialists. To earn this North Central Degree the student must pass the IC-3, and the MTA Fundamental Networking and Security examinations and the CompTIA A+ certification examination.

The North Central Computer-Numerically-Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology Certificate of Development prepares motivated students for work in modern factories, manufacturing plants and machine shops where computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines are essential pieces of equipment. In the past, workers manually controlled the heavy equipment used to cut, shape and form products from raw wood and metals. A CNC programmer / operator can now input highly-detailed instructions into a computer system that guides robotic arms and tools to perform precision machining jobs. Skilled CNC programmers or operators are able to improve the efficiency of production and the quality of finished products.

Minimum training and education requirements for the certification of local corrections officers (persons employed by a county sheriff in a local correctional facility as a corrections officer) have been established by the Michigan Sheriffs Coordinating and Training Council under the provisions of Act No. 125 of the Public Acts of 2003. North Central is evaluating whether or not it will offer a local corrections officer certification program once the minimum requirements have been established. Students interested in such a program should contact North Central's Criminal Justice Program coordinator for more current information.

This 17-credit hour program provides students with the minimum academic credits* necessary for employment as a Corrections Officer with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). Students may take the State "Entry-Level Security Exam" at any time by submitting an application to the Michigan Department of Civil Service.** Students who meet the educational requirements and pass the Civil Service examination will be eligible for further consideration.

Prior to being offered a position, a student must submit to a thorough background investigation. If offered a position, the student must also pass a medical exam, a drug screen and a physical fitness test. Certification as a Corrections Officer also requires successful completion of a 320-hour training academy conducted by the MDOC and two months of on-the-job training.

The AAS degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for employment opportunities in law enforcement, the courts or corrections. Students who demonstrate math competency are exempt from the mathematics requirement. Employee drug testing is the norm in this line of work. Medical screenings are required prior to employment. Law enforcement and corrections require training academy completion prior to State of Michigan certification.

This program provides North Central students the opportunity to attend a State-certified police academy and graduate from North Central with an Associate of Applied Science degree and Michigan Council of Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification. Students attend North Central for approximately three semesters and then enter the Kirtland Regional Police Academy to complete their training. The academy has two full-time, 17-week sessions, one beginning in January and one in July of each year.

Students interested in this program need to apply. Acceptance is competitive and is not guaranteed. A criminal background check is required for admission to the academy. See the North Central Criminal Justice Coordinator for more information. Students must take and pass the MCOLES Reading and Writing and Pre-Enrollment Physical Fitness tests prior to starting coursework at Kirtland Community College. Both tests are offered regularly at KCC.

This program provides the student with the opportunity to attend a State-certified police academy and graduate from North Central with an Associate of Applied Science degree and Michigan Council on Law Enforcement Standards certification (MCOLES). Students interested in this program need to apply. Acceptance is competitive and is not guaranteed. A criminal background check is required for admission to the academy. See the North Central Criminal Justice Coordinator for more information. To complete this program within two years, a student will need to attend summer sessions. The second half of the program is completed at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. Students must take and pass the MCOLES Reading and Writing and Pre-Enrollment Physical Fitness tests prior to starting coursework at Northwestern Michigan College. Both tests are offered regularly at NMC.

The AAS degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for employment opportunities in law enforcement, the courts or corrections. Students who demonstrate math competency are exempt from the mathematics requirement. Employee drug testing is the norm in this line of work. Medical screenings are required prior to employment. Law enforcement and corrections require training academy completion prior to State of Michigan certification.

This program is designed as an introduction to Emergency Medical Services using either EMS 105 (Medical First Responder) or EMS 110 (EMT Basic) as the point of entry. Students with no prior healthcare or EMS background should consider taking EMS 105 and then EMS 110; students with some healthcare experience should consider starting the certificate of development with EMS 110 and then completing both ENG 111 and MATH 110 (or any higher MATH course). This EMT basic course of study (or the equivalent) is needed to go on to the Associate's degree (Program Code 253) or Certificate program (Program Code 153).

The mission of the EMS/Paramedic Program at North Central Michigan College is to prepare students in the most effective way to become intelligent, competent, and compassionate providers of emergency care.

The EMS/Paramedic Certificate (Program Code 153) prepares students to function at advanced levels for pre-­hospital emergency support services. Successful graduates are eligible to sit for the National Registry Exam which opens employment opportunities in many other states in the pre-­hospital field of EMS, public safety, and fire rescue. Graduates may also work in the emergency departments of hospitals and free-standing clinics, and work as safety coordinators for industrial plants. Students are expected to complete a rigorous course of study and to meet minimum requirements established by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Admission to the College (and, by separate application, to the Program itself) is required, assessment testing is required, and financial aid may be available. The program also requires that students commit time beyond that spent in the classroom to complete program requirements and expectations. To obtain State of Michigan licensure in this field, an individual must be at least 18 years of age.

The Associate of Applied Science degree is frequently considered the minimum qualification necessary to be employed in management positions in EMS; in terms of preparation for licensure as an EMT-Paramedic, the Associate of Applied Science degree (Program Code 253) and the EMS/Paramedic Certificate (Program Code 153) are identical.

The mission of the EMS/Paramedic Program at North Central Michigan College is to prepare students in the most effective way to become intelligent, competent, and compassionate providers of emergency care.

The Associate of Applied Science degree (Program Code 253) prepares students to function at advanced levels for pre-hospital emergency support services. Successful graduates are eligible to sit for the National Registry Exam which opens employment opportunities in many other states in the pre-hospital field of EMS, public safety, and fire rescue. Graduates may also work in the emergency departments of hospitals and free-standing clinics, and work as safety coordinators for industrial plants. Students are expected to complete a rigorous course of study and to meet minimum requirements established by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Admission to the College (and, by separate application, to the Program itself) is required, assessment testing is required, and financial aid may be available. The program also requires that students commit time beyond that spent in the classroom to complete program requirements and expectations. To obtain State of Michigan licensure in this field, an individual must be at least 18 years of age.

The Associate of Applied Science degree is frequently considered the minimum qualification necessary to be employed in management positions in EMS; in terms of preparation for licensure as an EMT-Paramedic, the Associate of Applied Science degree (Program Code 253) and the EMS/Paramedic Certificate (Program Code 153) are identical.

This is a non-credit course offering which requires an application to the College for admission. No assessment testing is required. A physical exam, up-to-date immunizations including Hepatitis B and a criminal background check are required. This is for students who do not want financial aid. This is a non-degree program.

The Legal Assistant program is designed to train individuals to be qualified to work in a variety of environments. The roles and job responsibilities of a legal assistant vary depending on the employment setting and emphasis. Areas of employment for graduates include litigation, corporate law, criminal law, governmental offices and real estate.

To be successful in the program, a student should have a strong work ethic, strong verbal and written communication skills, be well-organized and detail-oriented, possess excellent ethics, be self-motivated, have good human relations skills, and be able to think logically.